AQA A-Level Music Component 3: the composition non-exam assessment

Component 3, Composition, is one of two non-exam assessment components in AQA A-Level Music (specification 7272). It is worth 25 percent of the A-level: two compositions totalling at least 4 and a half minutes, marked by your teacher and moderated by AQA. This guide maps the requirements and the craft involved.

What you have to submit

You write two compositions totalling at least 4 and a half minutes:

• One to an AQA brief that targets the Western classical tradition, testing functional harmony, structure and idiomatic writing.
• One free composition (or a second composition to a brief), in a style and for forces of your choice.

Each is submitted as a score (or detailed notation) plus a recording.

The four study pages

• Composing to a brief - the requirements and how to address every demand of the Western classical brief.
• Free composition - developing your own ideas into a coherent, well-structured piece.
• Harmonic and contrapuntal techniques - functional harmony, voice-leading and counterpoint.
• Orchestration and arrangement - idiomatic, balanced writing for your chosen forces.

How to score well

1. Address every part of the brief for the Western classical composition.
2. Develop your material rather than repeating it; shape a clear structure.
3. Write secure, functional harmony with good voice-leading and cadences.
4. Orchestrate idiomatically, balancing and blending the parts.
5. Draft early and refine with feedback before finalising the score and recording.

Browse the dot points

Each page has worked questions. Start with composing to a brief or browse the full set at /a-level-aqa/music/syllabus.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification (7272) and the non-exam assessment guidance at aqa.org.uk. Always check the current specification for the exact requirements and submission rules.